Spring into summer safety with Clarington Emergency and Fire Services

Clarington Emergency and Fire Services has teamed up with Enbridge Gas and Fire Departments across Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes to promote spring and summer safety tips on local radio stations throughout May and June. The Spring into Summer Safety campaign provides important safety messages about fire prevention, emergency preparedness and water safety at a time of year when there’s typically an increase in fire-related emergencies.

As the weather warms up, we encourage you to take the time to make sure your home is safe and free of fire hazards by following these spring and summer safety tips:

• Ensure your home address number is visible from the road. Remove debris that could block the view of first responders.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If the batteries are dead, replace them immediately, and replace any smoke alarm over 10 years old.
• Create an emergency preparedness kit in case of prolonged power outages, floods or other emergencies. Make sure you and your family can be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.
• Practise your home escape plan so everyone in your household knows what to do in a fire. Check every window to ensure it opens and closes properly in case it’s needed as an exit.
• Check outdoor electrical outlets and appliances for animal nests or chewed wiring.
• Check fuel containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored.
• Never use a portable propane heater inside a tent, cottage, or any enclosed space. 
• Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, tasteless and will cause serious injury or even death.
• Fire pits, campfires, and wood-fuelled chimineas are not allowed in Clarington. All it takes is one spark for things to go wrong. Be a responsible neighbour and choose a natural-gas or propane-fuelled option instead.

For more seasonal safety tips, visit www.clarington.net/FireSafety.